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Moorea, French Polynesia’s lagoon and ocean are warm and clear, making it one of the best places in the whole world to watch or swim with and watch humpback whales in the mating and nursery zones.
In 2002, French Polynesia declared itself a Marine Mammal Sanctuary. This means that all 20 species of whales and dolphins that live there are safe.
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There are many schools of dolphins around the island that you can see in the wild. This way, you don’t disturb the animals’ natural habitat while yet getting a close look at their everyday activities.
Moorea attracts humpback whales throughout the year. Humpback Whales can be seen near the outer reefs from July to early November as they look for a mate or nurse their young. Moorea is one of the world’s few spots where you may swim with humpback whales. Swimming with Humpback Whales in Moorea’s beautiful blue oceans is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many guests.
from $152.14
A small-group, half-day boat trip of Moorea’s seas gives you the chance to snorkel close to marine life like sharks, stingrays, and whales.
Your naturalist guide provides comments on the animals you might view, such as dolphins, humpback whales, pink whip rays, leopard rays, blacktip reef sharks, and grey reef sharks (mid-July to mid-November).
This excursion is restricted to eight persons and has morning or afternoon departure options. includes transportation to and from the hotel, a guide, use of the snorkeling gear, drinks, and fresh fruit.
Small-group half-day boat tour from Ha’apiti that includes wildlife snorkeling As you snorkel from the boat, keep an eye out for sharks, dolphins, stingrays, and whales.
Aim to spot humpback whales between mid-July and mid-November while they are migrating. Option to depart in the morning or the afternoon. Taking a trip in a small group of no more than eight people guarantees a more individualized experience.
• Approx. 4 hours • Guide
from $136.40
Humpback whales pass through the warm Polynesian waters on their annual migration between early July and mid-November. To reproduce or give birth, they travel here. We have a special chance to admire them now.
We occasionally encounter spinner dolphins, pilot whales, and pelagic sharks while on this expedition. One of the few places left in the world where it is still feasible to swim with cetaceans and observe them underwater is French Polynesia.
Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime experience! We’ll make a stop to swim with stingrays and blacktip sharks on the way back to the lagoon. The lagoon’s shallow sandbank is where this activity is conducted, and you can stand there because the water is only up to your waist and chest. It is accessible to people of all ages and physical abilities.
On the boat, you can take a break and relax with a beverage and some fruit.
• Approx. 3-4 hours • Snorkeling Gear • Local Guide
from $104.82
Animal lovers shouldn’t pass up the chance to observe humpback whales as they pass through Moorea during their annual migration. Between July and November, there’s a chance to see whales and their calves, and if the weather is right, you might even get to go swimming with them.
The crew can listen for whales thanks to sophisticated equipment, which improves your chances of finding them. A must-have for lovers of plants and animals. Equipment for snorkeling will be offered. Throughout the tour, refreshments are provided. Take advantage of individualized service on this small-group tour.
• Approx. 4 hours • Snorkel Gear
from $797.43
A half-day excursion is available aboard our opulent and comfy boat. The Moorean marine life is accessible for observation and swimming. Visit throughout the season to see rays, sharks, dolphins, turtles, and humpback whales (July-November).
With our subwin, a board towed at the back of the boat, you may fly over the ocean floor or visit Moorea’s two bays, among other activities.
Get off the beaten path and share an experience with a small group because the boat can hold a maximum of 8 persons. We will adjust to your needs and wants.
An expert lifeguard guide who specializes in Polynesian wildlife will be in charge of keeping an eye on you. All safety equipment and snorkeling gear are provided.
Join us for an exciting private trip and get a chance to interact with Moorea’s magnificent marine life.
• Approx. 4 hours • Local Guide
from $104.92
Above all, Pacifik Attitude is a time for sharing and learning. reconcile man with nature, and provide a respectful attitude that is enhanced by meaningful human interactions and a special connection to the natural world.
We cordially encourage you to immerse yourself in all the beauties the ocean has to offer for a half-day, becoming an observer of them all.
Pacifik Attitude wants to spread and impart as much of its dedication to safeguarding Fenua, its lagoon, and its natural treasures as it can. We are an essential component of this immense circle of life since each species contributes in a unique way to the stability of an entire ecosystem.
A delicate equilibrium of species has been created over a thousand years in the blooming of undersea life, which is a beautiful spectacle.
• Approx. 4 hours • Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks • Local Guide
from $131.16
Since 1984, we have been creating cherished memories. We are happy to show off Moorea’s extraordinarily diverse marine life and ecosystem to guests. Respect for the environment and the animals we come into contact with is the foundation of our eco-friendly trips.
Whether you want to see our stunning lagoon, swim with humpback whales, dolphins, or sharks, or arrange a private tour that is specifically tailored to your needs, our dedicated, skilled, and experienced team is ready to take you on an extraordinary journey.
The safety of everyone, respect for the animals, and preservation of our environment are always top priorities. We aim to ensure that our visitors have the great experience and in-water interactions possible.
• Approx. 4 hours • Snorkeling Gear • Local Guide
The eco-tours with marine biologist Dr. Michael Poole are especially recommended. Since 1987, the American has managed a research station on Moorea for the French University of Perpignan, and his team and he have also been giving tourist trips since 1992. The Moorea Deep Blue excursions are well-received, and they are always fully booked. The three-hour boat excursion puts you in close proximity to the East Pacific dolphins that live off the coast of Moorea.
Bottlenose dolphins, often known as spinner dolphins because they leap high into the air and spin around their own axis, frequently accompany the boat for the whole of the journey. In the meantime, you’ll learn a lot of intriguing things about animal habits and habitats, as well as Moorea’s volcanic origins. The motto is always the same: keep a tight eye on things but don’t bother them.
On a private boat excursion with Moorea Ocean Adventures, you may swim with humpback whales, dolphins, sharks, rays, and other magnificent marine life on the island of Moorea, French Polynesia. We are a small business dedicated to providing exciting, personable, and educational adventure excursions.
Moorea Ocean Adventures provides personalized private boat experiences led by experienced naturalist experts and captains. Matthieu Petit, a marine biologist, and Trevor Orth, a waterman, lead the team. Avoid the crowds on commercial excursions by joining one of their Moorea private boat tours, which can accommodate up to 6 people.
They are specialized in out-of-the-ordinary adventure trips and experiences to swim with the incredible diversity of Whales, Dolphins, Sharks, and Rays that inhabit the reefs and seas surrounding Moorea, a tropical paradise island in French Polynesia.
Being one of the best sites in the world to swim with and view humpback whales in the mating and nursery zones, Moorea, French Polynesia’s lagoon, and the ocean are warm and transparent. All 20 species of Whales and Dolphins that can be found in French Polynesia are protected under the country’s 2002 declaration that it is a Marine Mammal Sanctuary.
The southern hemisphere humpback whale population starts its winter migration in the months of July through November, and some of them decide to travel to the islands of French Polynesia.
From season to season, humpback whales arrive and leave at different times. The peak of the season is often from mid-August to mid-October, with observations becoming reliable around the end of July and continuing through the start of November.
One of the few places in the world where we can swim with humpback whales and view them up close is French Polynesia.
Only once the skipper or crew member has watched the humpback whales’ behavior and determined that it is secure and non-intrusive for both the visitors and the whales, would we enter the water with them.
A healthy marine environment depends on allowing whales to maintain their natural behavior and rituals.
It’s not always possible to see humpback whales in the sea. The top priorities are the safety of visitors and respect for any animals we come across while on a trip.
Swimming in the clear, blue seas of the open ocean is necessary to swim alongside whales. As we must contend with currents and waves there, open sea snorkeling is more challenging than lagoon or reef snorkeling. Additionally, in order to adhere to French Polynesia’s whale approach regulations, we frequently have to swim at least 100 meters from the boat. It requires a lot of physical effort and energy.
For any whale swim, you must be able to swim effectively for a predetermined distance and maintain yourself in the water without the aid of a life jacket or floating vest in order to ensure your safety. You must also understand how to properly use snorkeling equipment (fins, mask, and snorkel).
Is there a limited number of whale-watching tours?
The number of Boats authorized for whale watching is not limited. Moorea’s tourism industry continues to expand and the number of operators grows every year.
What is the best practice for whale watching in Moorea?
Avoid increased anxiety, compel interactions or bullying of humpback whales. Avoid approaching whales that are already escorted by two or more boats.
Additionally, don’t follow whales who are frantically trying to escape the area and get away from whale-watching boats.
How close do the boats get to the whales?
The boats should stay at least. 100 meters away from the whales and a minimum of 150 meters from the mother and calf. To reach the whales, you must swim the remaining distance, if you have fear a guide will help you.
Which species of whales can I see in Moorea?
Moorea is a haven for humpback whales. As part of the humpback whale migration, they travel an incredible 6,000 kilometers from their feeding areas in Antarctica to French Polynesia between July and November.
What is the best time of year to see whales in Tahiti?
From August to October, these magnificent creatures travel to the Tahitian Islands, where the calm, clear waters are ideal for whale viewing. Here, they give birth to their young.
Are dolphins and whales are protected in French Polynesia?
French Polynesia declared itself a Marine Mammal Sanctuary in 2002 offering protection to all of the 20 species of Whales and Dolphins found here.
Is it guaranteed that we will see Humpback Whales during our trip?
It cannot be guaranteed that guests can watch or swim with Humpback whales on every tour. We may recommend booking several excursions o increase the chances of a successful in-water encounter.
Can I watch Humpback whales in August?
Yes, the Humpback whale season is from July to early November, the whales can be seen in August.
Interested in more whale-watching tours on other islands? Check out our popular Tahiti whale-watching tours and our Bora Bora whale-watching tours.
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